DIEHARD
04-06-06, 07:22 PM
New Zealand Rugby League has asked for five NRL players to be released from their clubs to play in this month's rugby league Test against Great Britain.
The Kiwis were expected to select from Super League clubs but in a new twist, NZRL chairman Selwyn Bennett said they would be prepared to take the matter to the international board if Australian clubs refused to release players for the June 28 game at St Helens.
New Zealand coach Brian McClennan, fresh from a whistle-stop trip to England, has asked for Sydney Roosters' Iosia Soliola, Parramatta duo Jeremy Smith and Fuifui Moimoi, Melbourne's David Kidwell and the Bulldogs' Billy Ngawini.
"I don't think we're asking for too much because we haven't asked for any star players," Bennett told the New Zealand Herald.
"I think it's getting to the stage where we're going to have to test it."
McClennan wants to use the Test to aid the development of future internationals and is keen for Ngawini to play alongside veteran halfback Stacey Jones.
Moimoi is being viewed as a replacement for the injured Paul Rauhihi, who is out for three months with a back injury, while Kidwell would provide experience in the forward pack.
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The Kiwis were expected to select from Super League clubs but in a new twist, NZRL chairman Selwyn Bennett said they would be prepared to take the matter to the international board if Australian clubs refused to release players for the June 28 game at St Helens.
New Zealand coach Brian McClennan, fresh from a whistle-stop trip to England, has asked for Sydney Roosters' Iosia Soliola, Parramatta duo Jeremy Smith and Fuifui Moimoi, Melbourne's David Kidwell and the Bulldogs' Billy Ngawini.
"I don't think we're asking for too much because we haven't asked for any star players," Bennett told the New Zealand Herald.
"I think it's getting to the stage where we're going to have to test it."
McClennan wants to use the Test to aid the development of future internationals and is keen for Ngawini to play alongside veteran halfback Stacey Jones.
Moimoi is being viewed as a replacement for the injured Paul Rauhihi, who is out for three months with a back injury, while Kidwell would provide experience in the forward pack.
FOXSPORTS